The Devil's In The Detail: Coach Broad and the Duke Blue Devils Dynasty

[Cardinal Nation]

The Devil's In The Detail: Coach Broad's Story

It's been a very long (talking Madden 07) since I last wrote up a dynasty. I've been having trouble keeping myself entertained in dynasties up until this year, but I have resparked my love for them in NCAA 14. I have a pretty full time job, so will play when I can. Hope you guys enjoy the write ups. So without further ado, let me set the scene.

Vital Information:

System: PS3
Sliders: OS Community + Playmakers
Difficulty: All-American
Roster: OS Community
Quarter Length: 8 minutes

Recruiting Restrictions:

Only allowed to recruit 1* above prestige level, except for home state players.

It is the first days of the 2016 offseason. Losing coaches around the country become nervous and fidgity, hoping that that phone doesn't ring with the AD at the other end.

And somewhere, in the Raleigh-Durham area, Coach Cutcliffe's mobile buzzes in his pocket...

[Cardinal Nation]

David Cutcliffe fired after disappointing 2015 display

Raleigh-Durham, NC. - The Duke Blue Devils began their 2016 offseason with a jolt, firing their longterm coach David Cutcliffe. Having taken Duke from bottom dwellers in the ACC to the heights of the 2014 Chick-Fil-A Bowl, it appears the successes of the past were not enough to write off the damages of the last two seasons, finishing 3-10 and 2-11 respectively. It appears the final straw came when Coach Cutcliffe was overheard in a heated argument with AD Kevin White, following a blowout loss to North Carolina.

With 4 starters on offense and 5 on defense returning next season, the next man for the job will have his work cut out for him. Several names have already been linked in contention for this job, including the Tulane Green Wave HC Mike Robera, the Washington OC Dane Freeman, and the UCF OC Edward Broad.

[Cardinal Nation]

Duke announce the hiring of Coach Broad, former UCF OC as new HC

Raleigh-Durham, NC. - After 3 weeks of interviews and soul searching, the Duke Blue Devils announced that Edward Broad, former UCF OC would be their new HC. Coach Broad is one of the youngest coaches in the FBS, but certainly is no slouch. Having risen through the ranks as a coach in the California HS circuit, including a memorable 21 point comeback in the 2007 State Championship game, he served as an assistant coach at Stanford, before being hired by UCF as their OC in 2014. Under Coach Broad the offense flourished, finishing 9th in the nation in 2014 and 3rd in the nation in 2015. Despite being a young coach, his style and offense is a throwback to a previous era. With heavy formations, and an emphasis on power-running, you could say that Coach Broad is the oldest 28 year old coach at the moment.

Our reporter, Chris Givens was at the new HC's first press conference:

Chris Givens: "How would you describe your offense, and how did you come to run such a system?"

Coach Broad: "It's definitely a 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust type offense. Running the ball is key to any game. College football is ruled by swanky offenses with reads, and options, and all that nonsense. My offense is gritty, it's dirty. We're going to line up opposite a man and flat out beat him. It's not pretty, high scoring or fancy, but it's brutally effective. I took lessons from Coach Harbaugh and Coach Shaw when I worked at Stanford. They knew the importance of running the football, and so do I"

CG: "With so few starters returning on both sides of the ball, what are your keys for success early?"

CB: "We've got a good young coaching staff, who've got plenty of experience of dealing with situations like this. Realistically, we're not going to try and fit a square peg in a round hole. We'll use the players we have to the best of their abilities, that's all"

CG: "Finally, do you have an messages for the Duke fans?"

CB: "Turn up, get loud, and watch us churn up this field! Let's make this great university proud of its football team again"

CG: "Thanks Coach"

[Cardinal Nation]

Coach Broad announces his starters

Raleigh-Durham, NC. - The Duke Blue Devils have a finalised roster in preparation for the upcoming 2016 season, Coach Broad has confirmed to ESPN ACC Blog. The most talked about battle was at the QB position, with last year's starter SR Thomas Sirk coming under increasing pressure from highly touted JR Parker Boehme. With many pundits reasoning that Boehme's natural ability as a pocket passer was a better fit in Broad's run-heavy pro scheme, it was thought Boehme had the inside track on the job.

However, Coach Broad stuck by Sirk, who he claims won the competition outright. "He's a good kid, with a great arm, and Parker put up one helluva fight through spring, but Thomas gives us our best shot at winning now" said Broad on his choices.

Unsurprisingly, Shaquille Powell takes up his starting role at HB again, his mixture of size and power a perfect fit for Coach Broad. And if Powell is Thunder, Lightning this season is definitely provided by SR HB Jerry Callahan. Callahan has spent the offseason with the Duke Track and Field team, and has had great success in the 200m sprint. Hopefully, he will be lighting up Wallace Wade Stadium come September.

On the defensive side of the ball, SR DE Nick Dawson will provide the pressure in this oft maligned defense. With last year's defense finishing well down the stretch, new DC Adam Prunder will have his weapons, but will have to show it on Saturday's in the fall.

Below is the full depth chart, as provided by GoDuke.com

Offense
Quarterback         OVR    Wide Receiver       OVR    Left Tackle         OVR
1) T. Sirk           90    1) J. Bennett        85    1) M. Paris          63
2) P. Boehme         78    2) J. Alston         84    2)                   
3) C. Green          67    3) J. Barnes         84

Halfback            OVR    Tight End           OVR    Left Guard          OVR
1) S. Powell         91    1) D. Beilinson      89    1) L. Turner         82
2) J. Callahan       77    2) L. Morales        69    2) T. Sampson        74

Fullback            OVR                               Center              OVR
1) K. Maddox         71                               1) A. Davies         84
2) V. Garrison       71                               2) J. Key            72

                                                      Right Guard         OVR
                                                      1) T. Stone          87
                                                      2) M. Berry          56

                                                      Right Tackle        OVR
                                                      1) C. Blaser         84 
                                                      2) L. Leak           71

Defense
Left End            OVR    Left Outside LB     OVR    Corner Back         OVR
1) N. Dawson         90    1) D. McDonald       76    1) E. Edwards        81
2) M. Ramsey         77    2) K. Burley         71    2) Q. Mann           77

Right End           OVR    Middle Linebacker   OVR    Free Safety         OVR
1) B. Fowler         79    1) F. Allen          78    1) M. Westray        83
2) L. Pitts          76    2) M. Hawkins        76    2) J. Bailey         71

Defensive Tackle    OVR    Right Outside LB    OVR    Strong Safety       OVR
1) R. Roth           79    1) K. Hicks          71    1) S. Francis        83
2) C. Wray           75    2)                       2) C. Holmes         79

Special Teams
Kicker              OVR    Punter              OVR    Kick Returner       OVR
1) C. Givens         67    1) N. Cooke          72    1) J. Callahan (HB)  89
2)                       2)                       2)                   

KOS                 OVR    Long Snapper        OVR    Punt Returner       OVR
1) N. Cooke (P)      90    1) T. Stone (RG)     86    1) J. Callahan (HB)  89
2)                       2)                       2)